soil tests

Soil Test Warning: What North Carolina Gardeners Are Finding in Their Yards This January

January 15, 2026 by Brandon Marcus Leave a Comment

January is not just a month for cozy sweaters and hot cocoa—it’s turning into a revelation for North Carolina gardeners. Across the state, backyard enthusiasts are rolling up their sleeves and digging into something a little less glamorous than snowdrifts: their soil. Soil tests done this month are yielding results that are both surprising and…

7 Soil Tests That Give the Best Results in Fall

November 19, 2025 by Brandon Marcus Leave a Comment

As the leaves turn gold and the air starts carrying that crisp autumn scent, gardeners everywhere start thinking about how to prep their soil for the months ahead. Fall isn’t just a time for pumpkin spice lattes—it’s one of the best times to understand what’s happening underground. After the heat of summer, the soil has…

How To Get Free Seeds From The Government by Amanda Blankenship Seeds might seem like a small expense, but any seasoned…
Should I Use Enviro Ice On My Plants? by Kathryn Vercillo Every week, I receive food from Hungryroot. It's a great…
From Trash to Treasure: Transform Shredded Paper Into Garden Gold by Amanda Blankenship Should you use shredded paper as garden mulch? It might…
What Happens to Plants If You Use Enviro Ice on Them? by Amanda Blankenship About a year ago, I wrote our first article about…

7 Container Success Picks That Perform Well Anywhere

Container gardening opens the door to vibrant plants, fresh herbs, and eye-catching color even in tight spaces. A sunny balcony, small patio, or apartment doorstep can turn into a productive mini-garden with the right plant choices. The real secret lies in selecting varieties that handle changing weather, limited soil, and occasional neglect without losing their…

The Soil Quality Issue That Limits Production

Soil often decides how productive any garden becomes long before seeds even touch the ground. A bed can look dark, rich, and full of promise while quietly blocking roots and starving plants of essential resources. Many growing problems trace back to what happens below the surface rather than what happens above it. Strong harvests depend…

6 Small Garden Solutions That Maximize Space

Small gardens often pack more personality than sprawling yards ever could. Every square foot matters, and smart design choices can turn even the tiniest patio, balcony, or backyard corner into a productive green retreat. Limited space does not limit creativity—it sharpens it. Gardeners who think vertically, multi-functionally, and strategically often harvest more from compact plots…

8 Seasonal Favorites That Perform Best in Late Spring

Late spring turns gardens into a fast-moving showcase of color, texture, and rapid plant growth. Soil warms up, daylight stretches longer, and plants finally hit their stride after cooler months. This is the moment when smart plant choices really pay off, especially for gardeners who want strong results without constant fussing. Some plants simply love…